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What is shared-living?

Shared-living is a model of communal living that brings together individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those who support them. It involves living together with conscious intention, sharing daily routines, responsibilities, and life experiences with the goal of fostering personal growth and building mutually meaningful relationships.

Our Mission - To partner with adults with diverse abilities to actively pursue healthy, self-determined lives.

WHAT THE PLACEMENT OFFERS

A volunteer placement at Stanton Home offers a meaningful, hands-on opportunity to grow personally and professionally while making a direct impact in the lives of adults with diverse abilities.

Founded in 1986, Stanton Home provides a supportive, relationship-centered environment where volunteers are valued members of the care team. Volunteers gain real-world experience in residential life and community-based programming, developing skills in communication, teamwork, caregiving, and leadership.

As a volunteer, you are actively involved in the daily rhythms of a residential home, supporting individuals with daily living activities while building strong, respectful relationships. You work alongside experienced house managers, case managers, and staff, gaining mentorship and insight into collaborative care, person-centered support, and household operations. In addition to residential life, volunteers have the opportunity to participate in a vibrant Day Program that offers a wide variety of engaging activities. These include on-site experiences such as organic gardening, composting, music, yoga, hiking, weaving, and culinary arts. Community-based opportunities may include horseback riding, swimming, pottery, and other enriching outings. Volunteers gain exposure to therapeutic recreation, creative programming, and inclusive community engagement. Through placement, volunteers receive:

• Hands-on experience in supportive care, wellness, and daily living support
• Professional skill development in teamwork, responsibility, communication, and problem-solving
• Meaningful relationships and the chance to contribute to a close-knit community
• Exposure to diverse programming, including wellness, arts, outdoor activities, and community integration
• Mentorship and collaboration with experienced professionals in a residential care setting
• A rewarding opportunity to make a tangible difference while gaining valuable life and career experience

This placement is ideal for individuals seeking purposeful service, experiential learning, and a deeper understanding of inclusive community living.

HOW VOLUNTEERS SUPPORT

Volunteers bring unique skills, life experience, and a commitment to building meaningful shared experiences to both Residential life and the Day Program. Volunteers support individuals in daily living while encouraging independence, confidence, and personal growth. Through shared living, meaningful interaction, and participation in daily routines and activities, volunteers help create a nurturing, respectful, and vibrant community. In both home and Day Program settings, volunteers assist with interest-driven activities that build life, occupational, and social skills. They encourage participation, support personal goals, foster positive relationships, and help create an inclusive environment where each person’s contributions are valued and community connection is strengthened.

TASKS AND AREAS OF ACTIVITY

Volunteers at Stanton Home support individuals across both residential life and the Day Program through three core areas: companionship, direct care, and personal care. These roles foster meaningful relationships and help create a safe, respectful, engaging, and nurturing environment in all settings.

Companionship: Volunteers build positive relationships, always grounded in professional boundaries, by sharing daily life, participating in activities, and engaging in meaningful interactions with individuals in both the home and program environments. Connections grow through shared hobbies, creative projects, recreation, and community outings based on individual interests. Volunteers are encouraged to share their own talents and passions. Group activities may include arts and crafts, gardening, music, yoga, cooking, hiking, games, and community events that strengthen connection and belonging.

Direct Care: Volunteers support the daily functioning of the home and Day Program by assisting with routines, transitions, and activity facilitation. This may include preparing and cleaning up meals and snacks, setting up activity spaces, supporting transportation to and from community outings or appointments, maintaining clean and organized environments, and assisting staff with program flow. Volunteers may help guide group activities, encourage participation, and support individuals in building practical, occupational, and social skills.

Personal Care: Volunteers may assist with personal care needs to support health, comfort, and dignity. This can include assistance with hygiene, dressing, toileting, handwashing, mobility support, and health-related routines as needed in both residential and program settings. The level of support varies by individual and is always approached with respect, sensitivity, and proper training.

Volunteer roles vary day to day but typical volunteer responsibilities include:

• Participating in recreational, creative, and skill-building activities
• Supporting daily schedules, transitions, and routines
• Assisting with activity setup, facilitation, and clean-up in the Day Program
• Providing transportation to community activities, appointments, or errands
• Cooking, meal preparation, and snack support
• Supporting direct and personal care needs
• Maintaining general household and program space upkeep
• Encouraging social interaction, participation, and independence
• Responding appropriately to emergencies with guidance from staff
• Actively engage companions in both home and program environments
• Collaborate with staff and fellow volunteers to support safety, well-being, and positive experiences
• Contribute positively to the rhythm, responsibilities, and culture of the community

Some examples of specific daily tasks include:

• Assisting with morning routines and program transitions
• Supporting gardening, culinary, art, movement, or outdoor activities
• Helping prepare meals and clean up shared spaces
• Supporting personal care needs as appropriate
• Accompanying individuals on community outings or appointments
• Engaging residents and day program participants in social, recreational, and life-skills activities
• Assisting with household organization, laundry, and tidying

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Stanton Home will provide supporting documentation for the volunteer’s visa application upon request. Volunteers are responsible for the visa application fee and all associated costs. The volunteer coordinator is available to assist and guide volunteers throughout the visa application process.
• Volunteers receive formal and informal training, guidance and supervision from the house managers, case managers, staff, volunteer coordinator and other members of the administrative team. The volunteer coordinator may also serve as an on-site mentor, offering additional support throughout the volunteer experience.
• Additionally, English language tutoring is available locally for volunteers who wish to improve their skills.
• Your scheduled hours depend upon organizational needs and will be determined when you arrive at Stanton Home. You will be guaranteed 2 days off per week and vacation is earned at 2 days for each month of service completed.
• Volunteers are expected to take initiative and personal responsibility in managing their time and involvement in ways that promote the safety, health, and well-being of all residents and day program participants. While Stanton Home becomes a home for volunteers during their stay, it is the long-term home of the individuals we support. Volunteers are asked to thoughtfully consider the needs of others when making personal decisions, requests, and plans. This mutual respect fosters a community grounded in empathy, responsibility, and shared appreciation.

ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS

Stanton Home provides both housing and meals for volunteers. Volunteers receive either a private or shared bedroom and share a bathroom, with accommodations located in one of our residential homes, the volunteer house, or at the farm. Volunteers have access to the food provided in the residential home where they live. Nutritious, locally sourced meals are prepared during volunteer shifts, often using fresh ingredients from the Stanton Home biodynamic farm.